Community News

The start of the Orchard Year

In this the tenth year since the Orchard was planted, an enthusiastic group met in February to plan the year ahead.First up for discussion was the month to month care of the Orchard.The early part of the year up till the end of March is always a busy time, the most pressing job being pruning, particularly the apples.The group decided to work together in four teams to make the task of tackling 134 apple trees less daunting!A new problem for us this year is a disease called canker.The diseased wood should be cut out and burned – but where safe to burn it? If anyone in the village can help us out with this, please contact us by email, phone, personal contact or Facebook (Dunkeld and Birnam Community Orchard).We shall soon be planting some wild flowers. Our present plan is to take plugs of wild flowers from our own gardens - snowdrops, primroses, cowslips, ox eye daisy, lady’s smock, red campion. Again, if you have some “interesting” wild flowers, we’d like to hear from you.Calling all Children!Friday 30 March is in to the school holidaysAn Easter Egg Hunt is a definite. There may be a Bug Hunt. And of course, bring a picnic! Time 11.00-12.30 (weather permitting).We have lots of plans for Big Apple Day on Saturday 8 September and for celebrating our 10th Birthday in October.More later, but one thing we shall be collecting is Memories of Planting Day, and indeed any art work, stories or poems connected with the Orchard. These could be handed in any time to Katharine at the Old Police House.The Eco Group at the Royal School is already getting the ball rolling.Enjoy the Dunkeld and Birnam Community Orchard …because that is exactly what it is. We would welcome extra help with pruning in March, and also at Harvest time between the end of September and the beginning of November. But even if you can’t give us your time, please visit the Orchard because it is there for all of us to enjoy in all its lovely seasons.